When patients think of smile care, they often envision regular cleanings and check-ups. While these are important aspects of oral health, periodontal (gum) preventative care is just as essential for a healthy mouth. Periodontic preventative care in Greenville, NC focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases that affect the gums and structures that support the teeth. Beyond brushing the teeth, applying fluoride, and flossing, the focus of periodontal preventative care extends to prevent gum disease, diagnose oral cancer, and biopsy lesions. 

To learn more about this preventative focus and how it can help you maintain your smile, it’s important to understand exactly what periodontic preventive care is and how it helps preserve oral health. Read below to learn more!

What Is Periodontic Preventative Care?

Periodontic preventative care is a proactive approach to oral healthcare. It focuses on the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. From gum disease to oral cancer, these conditions can harm more than your smile if left unchecked. They can lead to painful chewing problems, tooth loss, and even systemic health issues like heart disease. That’s why preventative care plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy mouth and body.

Preventative Care We Provide

At East Carolina Implants and Periodontics, our preventative care services are tailor-made to suit your unique oral health requirements. Our services include professional teeth cleaning, oral cancer exams, biopsies, and patient education to ensure that you’re well-informed about your oral health.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Even with rigorous daily brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Our professional teeth cleaning service involves the removal of these deposits and polishing your teeth to protect your tooth enamel. 

This routine service, recommended at least twice a year, not only leaves your mouth feeling fresh but also helps prevent gum disease and decay.

Oral Cancer Exam

In the early stages, oral cancer often goes unnoticed as it may not present any symptoms. As part of our preventative care program, our team conducts thorough oral cancer exams, inspecting your mouth for any abnormalities such as sores, discolored tissues, or lumps. 

Early detection can greatly increase the success rate of treatment, making this exam a vital component of your overall health care regime.

Biopsies

If we encounter any suspicious tissue during your oral cancer exam, we may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. This procedure allows us to accurately diagnose conditions like oral cancer or other oral diseases and plan the appropriate course of action for treatment.